Princess in Hiding

Chapter 14

I hear instrumental Christmas music from outside the clinic and am I only dreaming this? I slowly opened my eyes and see white. I tried looking around and I feel my cheeks sting and my head pounding. I don't know if Irvina was used to slapping a lot of people that she managed to hit me into oblivion.

        I tried pulling myself up and heard the Christmas music louder from outside. Additionally, I heard two voices talking and I saw from my peripheral vision that there are two people talking near me. So, I looked to the left and clearly saw the Queen and the doctor talking and she glimpsed at me and was surprised to see me awake. They both approached me, and I suddenly slid myself down the bed and pulled the sheets to my chest.

        "I saw you're awake, Aikaterie," the Queen said.

        "I am, Your Majesty," I squeak.

        "How are you? Are you okay, my dear?" I felt a sharp pang in my chest when she called me that. I'm seeing a different version of the Queen right now and should I even be alarmed or be at peace?

        "My cheeks still throb, a bit dizzy also, Your Majesty. None will affect my performance at work. I apologize."

        "Why are you apologizing, my dear?"

        I was caught at that moment and I thought why I was apologizing. Maybe because I was supposed to dodge the slap? Or maybe I should've went out when Irvina arrived? "I should've left earlier."

        "I was talking to you, not my daughter." Her voice failed when she muttered 'my daughter.' Then she sighed. "She also attacked you with no definite reason. Acting beyond how should she be. Acting like she is no princess."

       We heard the doctor clear his throat and our attention was brought to him. "I advise her to rest for a day, my Queen."

        "Then she should. She will go back to her studies once she is well. Please treat her like how you treat our family. Consider her like the Princess."

        I was stunned with what the Queen said. Me? Considered like the Crown Princess but I merely just pretended to be her for a night.

        "There's really no need, Your Majesty. I can handle it from now. I think I should be going back to my training at once."

        The Queen pursed her lips and she brought her hands on my face and cupped it softly. Her eyes were filled with mysterious sadness and I cannot even comprehend why and what does it mean. "I shall leave now. I have matters to attend to. Your training as an adviser will continue and if any questions might you ask regarding the help I gave you, please knock on my door anytime, my dearest."

        I nodded and thanked her. She sighed and left. I really don't know why the Queen is acting this way and I don't know how to react with the change of attitude towards me. The doctor told me I could leave now if I want because he said I was okay already. So, I pulled myself off the bed and simply walked to my quarters. I was about to lay down my bed to rest when I heard someone shouting outside. I hurriedly ran outside and saw Irvina, the Fake, shouting in an ugly manner.

        "Where is my servant? I need my fucking servant! She should serve me now! Where is she?" she shouted. I rolled my eyes and simply stepped forward.

        Dully answered, "I'm here, your Highness."

        "Your expression." She pointed at me, sneering. Oh god. Here it comes. "You dare to look at your Princess like that?"

        "I am about to rest, your Highness to proceed to my trainings tomorrow."

        "Trainings?" She was stunned. I almost rolled my eyes, but she regained her posture. "I don't care. You have to serve me."